The Blue Man Group tell us what it's like to be blue

What began as New York City street theatre and a commentary about overpriced art and the ills of society, 25 years later has become a global phenomenon that has involved five permanent shows and a touring company, 30,000 bald caps and 25,000 cakes of blue makeup, marshmallow throwing, paint drumming, countless references in popular culture, and above all, the men in Blue. Ahead of their string of Shanghai performances this autumn we spoke to current associate director David Fray about the group's global appeal, a blue man's day and looking at the world through a child's eyes.

How did Blue Man Group get started?

When Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman came up with the character in the late 1980s, they were doing these happenings in NYC about art, and they needed someone neutral for the audience to connect with. Using the colour blue was creating something the audience could look at but not identify with immediately, or have prejudice against or towards them. Later, they combined this with live music and physical comedy. Audience participation is a massive part of the show, making that human connection by bringing someone on stage, or bringing the Blue Man out into the audience – these things live with you long after the show is over (China, be warned: the Blue Men admonish latecomers in song).

How has the show changed over the years?

Technology changes how we interact with each other. There’s a scene now that’s all about walking and texting, which turns into a really high-octane, visually dynamic piece about this element of isolation in society; we’re completely engrossed with this thing that is connecting us with someone who is not there. But as the show develops we continue to change as people.

As a trainer and recruiter, what do you look for in a Blue Man?

Humility. Also, the ability to remove your ego and work as part of a team. We talk about the character being three-as-one [an everyman embodying multiple characteristics we all share]. It’s not an easy job to get, but once you’re in, it’s a good one, because there’s a sense of community. I live in New York and London, and I work with trainees, but when I travel with the touring companies, I can always jump into a show. And it’s not just the Blue Men, it’s also four to seven band members, a crew of 15 to 20 people, a management and marketing team, and people that clean up the mess after the huge dance party. The passion that everyone has towards this project is really moving.

How does training work?

After a week of auditions, initial training lasts six weeks, then you do one role for six to 12 months. It can take years to get all the roles down, but it’s a nurturing process. We train performers to portray the character each night as if it’s brand new. Broadway plays circulate the casts a lot quicker; you don’t have many people perform the same character every night for 20 years – sometimes in the same theatre. That’s mindboggling. But you don’t get bored, because every audience member is different, and they are such a huge part of the show. The most challenging thing is ridding yourself of that ego and leaving yourself at the door, staying open to what is going to happen that night.

What do audiences most enjoy?

Blue Men encourage the audience to look at the world through the eyes of a child, to have moments of pure, unadulterated joy. While it’s good to hear the children laughing, I think the adults actually benefit more, sharing a moment with people they don’t know, and letting go of daily stress. There is this euphoric feeling, paper and big balls everywhere, and suddenly the show ends – and it didn’t feel finished. So we set up a post-show meet-and-greet because we wanted to keep that connection going.

What is a Blue Man day like?

Every day we meet a few hours before the show, and we rehearse some parts, do sound checks, and pick up notes from the night before – we learn so much from every show. It takes about an hour for everyone to gather and put on makeup and costumes. The makeup is actually liberating. I used to have these horrendous anxiety dreams that we’re on stage drumming and wearing welding masks, and then we lift our masks, and I’m the only one without makeup on. I’m naked up there!

What is it like being so integral to popular culture?

It’s fantastic to be mentioned in things like that; it means the show is still relevant. We’re always popping up on The Simpsons and Family Guy, and that’s great. It shows that the effort to keep the show developing and up to date is working.

Blue Man Group is at Shanghai Culture Square from Wednesday November 16-December 4 at various times. Tickets are 288-588RMB. Click 'read more' to buy tickets.